(From Missouri Southern Athletics)Joplin, Mo. - For the first time since their home opener on August 31, the Lions played at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, playing host to the Northeastern State Riverhawks.
The Lions dominated the day, taking down the Riverhawks 42-0 for their first shutout win since 2013. With the win, MSSU improves to 3-1 on the season.
Northeastern State won the coin toss and elected to defer, giving the Lions the first possession. Wasting little time, the Lions drove 75 yards for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. The 3-yard touchdown run by Anthodius Ashley was set up by a 25-yard completion from Luke Sampson to Akeem Gilmore. On NSU's opening drive, the Riverhawks went for it on 4th and 5, but Ife Current was there to break up the pass.
Midway through the second quarter, NSU was threatening to score with the ball on the MSSU 12-yard line. Evrin Hawkins was one step ahead of the Riverhawk quarterback, coming down with the interception to keep the visitors off the scoreboard. Starting from their own 6-yard line, Southern used nearly the rest of the quarter to drive 94 yards for the touchdown, taking a 14-0 lead. Luke Sampson found Akeem Gilmore twice on the drive, the first for 17 yards and the second being the 18-yard touchdown.
After a three-and-out by NSU to start the second half, the Lions scored another touchdown on a 6 play, 65-yard drive. JarMichael Cooper had a 32-yard catch from Sampson on the drive, and was responsible for the 7-yard touchdown reception to give MSSU a 21-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Drake Reese popped it up perfectly to confuse the Riverhawks. Dillon Ramella jumped on the loose ball to give Southern the ball again with just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter. The Lions drove the short distance for a touchdown, this one taken on the ground by Luke Sampson, 28-0 Lions. NSU was beginning to gain some ground on their next drive, but Maurion Clemons made his presence known with a strip-sack that was returned by Jermaine Young Jr. for a touchdown.
Isaac Kittrell took over at quarterback following Sampson's rushing touchdown. In the fourth, he connected with Logan Speer for 14 yards on a 3rd and 3 to extend the drive. A few plays later, Kittrell broke free for a 25-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Lion lead. Defense held strong for the remainder of the game, completing the 42-0 shutout, the program's first shutout win since 2013.
In two and a half quarters of play, Luke Sampson completed 16-22 passes for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air, also picking up 28 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Deontay Campbell was the leading receiver with 90 yards on 5 catches. Akeem Gilmore also had 5 receptions, going for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Ife Current led the team with 4 tackles, all done by himself. He also had a pass break-up. Evrin Hawkins and Maurion Clemons forced MSSU's turnovers. Hawkins had the interception just outside of the end zone, and Clemons was responsible for the strip-sack that led to a touchdown taken back by Jermaine Young Jr.
The team will play on the road next week, taking on the Bronchos of Central Oklahoma. Kickoff for that contest is scheduled for 2:00 PM in Edmond, Oklahoma. Following that contest, the Lions will be at home for back-to-back games.
No comments:
Post a Comment